Caution on Willis

The impending closure of the Henry Willis Center has caused disruption for many individuals and families who depend upon a broad array of social services that were provided by agencies affiliated with the nonprofit. More information and caution are needed.

City councilors, clients and employees are right to be concerned, both about clients, and why the center is closing.

The first task is ensuring that clients who were served through the Willis Center continue to have their needs met. That effort is under way.

Second, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services should, when able, release more information about why all state funding for the nonprofit was cut. In general, the state does not cut funding without good reason.

A spokesman for the state HHS has cited “serious concerns with financial management and client care issues,” but the Willis Center had reportedly eliminated a serious deficit last year.

The frustration felt by many in Worcester is understandable. After all, a well-established agency administering millions of dollars’ worth of contracts in the state’s second-largest city should not cease operations without the public gaining a clearer understanding of the reasons for the closure.

But until that information is known, it is premature to speculate about the reasons, or draw conclusions about either state actions or those of the agency, its leaders, or employees.

The best prescription is patience, and for all concerned to focus on finding alternative methods to continue services to those previously helped by the Henry Willis Center and its affiliates.

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